8 Days In the Footsteps of St Paul in Asia Minor
Tour Style : Private Tour
Duration : 8 Days – 7 Nights
Highlights : Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Day 1: Arrival Day in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! We meet you at airport and transfer you to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
( Breakfast & Lunch)
Today we will visit the spectecular Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule. The Hagia Sophia underwent several alterations and additions and remained an Islamic mosque till 1935, after which it was transformed into a museum by the secular Republic of Turkey
Next we visit the magnificent Blue Mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Last visit of the day is to Topkapi Palace, the administrative center of Ottomans for many centuries.
We will have lunch in Old Town of Istanbul and after the tour we will drive to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3 : Istanbul Grand Tour
( Breakfast-Lunch)
Today our tour will cover the Church of St. Saviour at Chora with its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. The first church on this site was built in the 4th century as part of a monastery complex outside the city walls of Constantinople. The present building dates from the 11th century.
We then visit the world's oldest and biggest covered market Grand Bazaar with its 4.000 shops. After that we embark on a Bosphorus Boat Cruise to view Istanbul from sea with its Asian and European parts that are divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
After the tour we drive to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival we meet you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4 : Ancient Pergamum & the Church of St. Polycarp
( Breakfast-Lunch)
Today we will be visiting the ruins of the Velvet Fortress and the Ancient Agora of Smyrna, and the Church of Saint Polycarp. The Saint Polycarp Church is the oldest church in Izmir and represents ancient Smyrna's role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. We then drive north to visit the city of Pergamum – towering above the modern city of Bergama.
After the tour we will to our hotel for overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5: Philadelphia & Thyatira
( Breakfast-Lunch)
This morning we drive to Thyatira, another of the Seven Churches before continuing to Sardis where we see the Temple of Artemis, a Roman gymnasium and mosaics in the synagogue. Traveling to the site of Philadelphia another one of the Christian congregations, and a city built in 2 BC by King Eumenos and then to Pamukkale. Enjoy the sun set over the travertines of Pamukkale. After the tour you will be transferred to Pamukkale for overnight.
Day 6 : Pamukkale-Ephesus-Laodicia
( Breakfast-Lunch)
Visit Hierapolis and then Laodicea before continuing to Ephesus. See the final abode of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last years. Tour through ancient Ephesus to see the old synagogue, the theatre where St. Paul preached (Acts 10), the Library of Celsus and other sights.
After the tour we will be driving to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day 7 : Leisure Time in Kusadasi
( Breakfast-Lunch)
After an intensive tour itinerary you will have a leisure time in the pleasant harbour town of Kusadasi.
Overnight in Kusadasi
Day 8 : Final Day
(Breakfast)
Today you will take a domestic flight to Istanbul to catch your flight back home.
What is included
- Transfers & Tour transposrtations
- Domestic flights
- Breakfast & Lunches
- Accomodation during the tours
- Mentioned tours
- Entrance fees
- Professional tour guide
Not included :
Drinks, tips to guide and driver, personal expenses and optional tours:
Highly Recommended in Turkiye
- Istanbul Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht - 100 EUR pp
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